Re: Coosa Composites.
I restored my 1995 Larson 214 LXI using all composites. Nida Bond for the stringers (pourable compound) and 1/2" Coosa Bluewater 20 on the deck. The Coosa is a bit pricier than wood, but considering you use less resin and cloth, the cost difference isn't extreme. However, I had a somewhat local source for the material so didn't have to pay for transportation (call Coosa and they can find you a local dealer). I forget the price/board, but believe my restoration project was only a few hundred dollars over the cost of using wood. This was well worth it in my mind as rot becomes a non-issue. Plus, there is the added benefit of reducing the weight.
Coosa is easier to work with than plywood. It cuts and shapes using conventional tools - although you will go through several jigsaw blades. I do advise wearing leather gloves when handling it as there are real tiny fiberglass particles created when cutting which can be quite irritating to the skin. I laminated both sides of the deck, however Coosa staff told me that typically only the walking surface needs to be glassed.
My only complaint is its ability to hold a screw. No problem adhering the deck to the stringers, but screwing the seats to the deck is a different story. What I did was epoxy stainless steel threaded inserts into the Coosa. This took some time, but worked well and allows for easy removal and put-back of all components attached to the deck.
If I can find some pictures I'll post them. Using Coosa (and Nida Bond), was definitely worth it to me.
Ben
